10 Effective Ways to Support and Boost "Proudly Zambian" Small Businesses
At Baobab Swirls, we believe that when one of us grows, we all grow. Our journey did not start in a boardroom; it started in a kitchen in Lusaka, born from a passion for natural wellness and the "Bold Move" to share it with the world. We know firsthand that behind every Zambian SME is a family, a dream, and a whole lot of hustle.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of our economy. According to the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), SMEs represent the vast majority of businesses in the country. However, they face unique hurdles from high interest rates to the "visibility gap." Supporting local is not just a "nice thing to do"; it is an economic necessity.
When we support local, we keep the Kwacha circulating within our borders, creating a multiplier effect that builds schools, improves clinics and creates jobs for our youth. Here is how you can move beyond the hashtag and make a tangible impact on the "Proudly Zambian" movement.
1. Prioritize "Proudly Zambian" Products
The most direct way to support a business is to be their customer. We often default to imported brands because they are "familiar," but Zambia is currently producing world-class honey, organic oils, handcrafted soaps, and high-quality textiles.
How to take action:
• The Supermarket Hunt: Next time you are in Shoprite or Pick n Pay, look specifically for the "Proudly Zambian" logo (the green and orange mark with the eagle).
•Market Days: Make it a habit to source your vegetables, grains and traditional snacks like Tute ne Mbalala(Cassava with peanuts) or vinkubala from your local "Market Queen" (Bana Mayo).
•The 70/30 Rule: Aim to make 70% of your monthly grocery basket locally sourced.
2. Leverage the "WhatsApp Status" Economy
In Zambia, WhatsApp is not just a messaging app it’s a marketplace. A single post on your Status can reach hundreds of people in your immediate circle who trust your taste.
How to take action:
•Do not Gatekeep: If you find a tailor in Mtendere who sews perfectly or a baker in Kitwe with the best cakes, do not keep them a secret. Take a photo of their work and share their digits.
•Screenshot & Share: When a friend posts a business update, screenshot it and repost it to your Status. It takes 10 seconds but could land them their biggest sale of the month.
3. Embrace Mobile Money Transactions
Cash flow is the lifeblood of a small business. In a country where change (coins) is often scarce and bank POS machines come with high monthly rentals and transaction fees, Mobile Money is a game-changer.
How to take action:
•Ask for the Code: Always ask, "Do you have a Merchant Code or a number for Mobile Money?" Cover the "Withdrawal " Fee: If you are buying from a very small vendor, consider adding the K2 or K5 withdrawal fee to your payment. This ensures the entrepreneur receives the full value of their hard work.
4. Leave Detailed, Public Reviews
Most Zambian SMEs have an "online presence" but very few "online reviews." When a tourist or a new resident searches for "Best Skincare in Lusaka," Google uses reviews to decide who to show first.
How to take action:
•Google Maps is Key: If you visit a local lodge, cafe, or hair salon, pin the location and leave 5 stars.
•Be Specific: Instead of saying "Good," say "The Lemongrass Soap from Baobab Swirls cleared my skin in two weeks." Specificity builds trust for the next customer.
5. Respect the Price: Rethink the Bargain
We have a deep culture of "haggling" in Zambia, but there is a time and place for it. When you bargain aggressively with a local artisan like a curio maker or a roadside vegetable seller you are cutting into their ability to buy food or pay school fees.
How to take action:
•The Mall Comparison: If you are willing to pay a fixed, high price for an imported coffee at a mall, try to offer that same "fixed price" respect to the local entrepreneur who has lower margins and higher personal stakes.
• Pay the "Asking Price": If the price is fair, pay it. Your extra K50 might be the difference between that business staying open or closing next month.
6. Support Through "Chilimba" and Savings Circles
Many Zambian women have built empires using Chilimba. These informal savings groups provide the "seed capital" that banks often refuse to give to small businesses.
How to take action:
•Be a Reliable Member: If you are in a savings group with business owners, your consistency allows them to plan their stock purchases and expansion.
•Group Buying: Use your Chilimba group to buy bulk supplies (sugar, flour, or raw materials) from local wholesalers rather than international distributors.
7. Hire Local for Life’s Big Moments
Zambia’s events industry is massive. From Kitchen Parties and Matebetos to Weddings and Corporate launches, these events are opportunities to distribute wealth locally.
How to take action:
•Local Catering: Instead of "standard" catering, hire a local chef who specializes in traditional Zambian cuisine.
•Gifting: Instead of buying imported gift hampers, curate your own using local brands (like a Baobab Swirls wellness set!).
8. Volunteer Your Professional Skills
Small business owners are often "jacks of all trades" they are the cleaners, the marketers, the accountants, and the CEO. They often lack the budget for specialized professional services.
How to take action:
•The "Consultancy" Gift: If you are a lawyer, help a friend register their business with PACRA. If you are an accountant, help them set up a simple ZRA tax spreadsheet.
•Mentorship: Spend one Saturday a month mentoring a young entrepreneur in your neighborhood on basic business management.
9. Engage with Local Media and Press
Visibility increases when a story goes viral. Local newspapers, radio stations (like Phoenix or Hot FM), and bloggers are always looking for "Good News" stories.
How to take action:
•Tag the Media: When you see a great local story, tag local journalists or influencers to help it get picked up.
•Call the Radio: Call into your favorite morning show and give a "shout out" to a local business that gave you excellent service.
10. Word of Mouth: The "Ubuntu" Marketing
In Zambia, "Ubuntu" means I am because we are. Our businesses thrive when the community acts as a protective and promotional shield around them.
How to take action:
•Be an Ambassador: Carry your local products with pride. When someone asks about your glow, your bag, or your shoes, give them the full story of the person who made them.
•The Viral Chain: Commit to telling three people about a new local business you discovered every single week.
Take Your "Bold Move" with Baobab Swirls
We do not just talk about supporting local we live it. Every bar of soap we make supports local farmers and wild-harvesters. If you are ready to move from being a supporter to being a participant in Zambia’s thriving SME culture, we have two ways to get you started:
1. Become a Baobab Swirls Reseller
Ready to start your own business? Our Reseller Ready Collection is curated for entrepreneurs who want to start small but dream big. We provide the high-quality, made-in-Zambia products; you provide the hustle!
2. Master Your Visibility Training
Does your business feel "invisible" online? We offer specialized Social Media Content Strategy Training tailored for the Zambian market. We will teach you how to turn your WhatsApp and Facebook pages into sales machines.
Conclusion
Supporting local small businesses is not a temporary gesture; it is a commitment to the future of Zambia. When we choose to buy local, share local and respect local, we are building a country that is self-reliant and vibrant.
How will you make a "Bold Move" for a local business this week?
Next in our "Bold Moves" Series: We sit down with a local artisan and talk about how her love for natural wellness grew into a hair brand of her own. Don't miss it!
